Pope: to build peace, we must "live" relationships of justice and solidarity
Vatican City ( AsiaNews) - The foundation of peace-building " consists in the divine origin of man, society and authority itself, which engages individuals, families , social groups and states to live relationships of justice and solidarity", stated Pope John XXIII 's encyclical Pacem in Terris50 years ago, and although the world and mankind's knowhow has greatly changed, the call remains strongly relevant.
And, today Pope Francis highlights,
"the global economic crisis , which is a serious symptom of the lack of
respect for man and for the truth with which decisions have been made by governments
and citizens, clearly tells us as much" .
The
"foundation" of peace and what to do to build it were the focus of Francis'
reflection receiving participants in the meeting promoted by the Pontifical
Council for Justice and Peace marking the 50th anniversary of Pacem in Terris ,
held in Rome October 2
to 4 .
When Pope John published the
encyclical, on April 11, 1963 "it was the pinnacle of so-called Cold War.
At the end of 1962, humanity found itself on the brink of a nuclear war world
." The
cry "peace, peace" launched by Pope John "was a cry to men, but
it was also a petition addressed to Heaven. Then painstakingly the dialogue
that began between the major blocs led , during the pontificate of another
Blessed, John Paul
II , to the overcoming of that phase and the opening of spaces for freedom and
dialogue. The seeds of peace sown by Blessed John XXIII have borne fruit . Yet
despite the walls and barriers that have fallen , the world continues to need
peace and
the call of the Pacem in Terris remains highly relevant. "
It
said it is the duty of all men to build peace , following the example of Jesus
Christ , through " two roads : to promote and practice justice , with
truth and love ; contribute, each according to his ability , to integral human
development , according to the
logic of solidarity. "
"Looking
at our current reality , I wonder if we have learned this lesson of Pacem in
Terris . I wonder if the words justice and solidarity are only vocabulary or if
they have become a reality that we act on . The encyclical of Blessed John
XXIII reminds us clearly that there
can be no true peace and harmony if we do not work for a more just and united
society, if we do not overcome egoism, individualism , interest groups, at all
levels . "
"But
we still move forward. Which consequence does the divine origin of man, society
and the same authority recall? Pacem in Terris focuses a basic consequence: the
value of the person, the dignity of every human being , to promote, be respected
and protected forever. Not only must the main civil and political rights that be
guaranteed - says the Blessed John XXIII - but everyone must have equal access to
essential means of subsistence , food , water ,
home, health care , education and the opportunity to form and support a family.
These are the goals that should have a mandatory priority on a national and
international level and are a measure its goodness. A lasting peace for all depends on them " .
The
encyclical certainly does not place concrete guidance on political, economic
and social matters among the tasks of the Church, but " aims at guiding
the international debate " according to the virtues of dialogue ,
listening, patience , respect for others, of
sincerity and also the willingness to revise one's opinion.
In
the face of current questions, such as the "educational emergency , the
influence of mass media on consciences, access to the earth's resources, the
good or bad use of the results of biological research , the arms race and national
and international security , "Pacem in Terris draw a line that goes from
peace to be built in the hearts of men to a rethinking of our model of
development and action at all levels , so that our world is a world of peace.
I wonder if we are willing to take up this call . "
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12/04/2023 11:55
